IELTS Reading: Exam Skills are Critical to Success

IELTS Reading: The Basics

The IELTS Reading Section of the IELTS exam comprises varied challenging elements and one of them is the completion of this section within the prescribed time limits. In 60 minutes, a candidate needs to attempt 40 questions. Therefore, attempting this section is no less than walking a tightrope. Are you all set to appear for IELTS Academic Test? Are you stressed about IELTS preparation and in quest of the most effective exam skills that are critical to achieving success in the test? If yes, gain access here to key exam skills and effective strategies related to the pattern of the IELTS exam to score high in the IELTS reading section.

Fundamental Introduction To The Structure Of IELTS Reading

1. Skimming

Skimming is all about acquiring a gist of the passage by deploying the art of swift reading. It is about comprehending the essence of the passage by glancing at the heading and title of the topic. The moment a candidate gains clarity regarding the core idea of a writer, devoting extra time to reading the passage is not required. Ideally, five minutes is sufficient to go through this passage.

2. Understanding the framework of the passage

A reading passage consists of a number of paragraphs that include signal phrases, thesis statements, synonyms, etc. Grasping the main idea behind the basic infrastructure of the format of the text is an exam skill highly critical to success.

3. Scanning

It is yet another IELTS exam skill that is critical to success. The beginning of effective scanning is marked by the careful reading of the questions. There may be the inclusion of a technical vocabulary. A candidate needs to scan them sans revising the entire text.

IELTS Reading Exam Skills Strategies Critical To Success

1. Familiarize Yourself With The Question Patterns

This tried and tested formula works like a magic in all tests including IELTS. Before appearing for the IELTS test, you must devote sufficient time to grasping what kinds of questions are generally being asked in this section and how you need to answer them. This basic preparation will enable you to take charge of the situation by enhancing your awareness so that you could deliver the desired performance.

2. Prepare a Strategy Revolving Around Each Question

The IELTS exam intends to evaluate the diversified skills related to the reading section. In this scenario, it becomes imperative to prepare a full-proof strategy related to each category of questions. Preparing a roadmap will enable you to navigate through your exam. Moreover, knowing these strategies will not suffice. You need to attempt plenty of IELTS practice tests because only repetitive rehearsals will enable you to master the art of attempting the reading section like a pro. Here, know about the diversified categories of Reading Sections to prepare effective strategies:-

⮚ Category 1: Short Answer Questions
⮚ Category 2: Multiple Choices
⮚ Category 3: Summary Completion
⮚ Category 4: Matching Sentence Endings
⮚ Category 5: Sentence Completion
⮚ Category 6: True, False, Not Given
⮚ Category 7: Matching Headings
⮚ Category 8: Diagram label completion
⮚ Category 9: Matching Names
⮚ Category 10: Matching Information to Paragraphs
⮚ Category 10: Summary, note, table, flow-chart completion

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3. Learn from your Errors

Making mistakes is extremely natural and inevitable while practicing for the IELTS test. Every single mistake made by you will bestow you with an opportunity to progress. If you tend to pay attention, you may even realize that these mistakes are not random. They follow certain patterns. This new-found realization may prove to be your biggest strength in improving your areas of weakness.

4. Empower your vocabulary

If your vocabulary is strong, you will realize that you do not face time-constraint anymore. Do you aim to enrich your vocabulary? If yes, follow a few effortless, yet effective, IELTS vocabulary strategies:-

Make reading English a regular habit

No matter how hectic your schedule is, the consistent habit of reading must be embedded into your routine if you aim to score high.

Jot down new vocabulary

While reading English you are bound to encounter a few fresh words. Without any procrastination, you need to jot them down, no matter in which form they are, including synonyms, antonyms, or in any other form.

Bring into play and evaluate

Ironically, jotting down new words alone will not suffice until and unless you put the effort into integrating these words into a regular day-to-day conversation. This entire effort will not prove to be futile.

4. Achieve the Score that you aim for, much before the test.

Patience is key during the practice session of any test and IELTS again is no exception to it. The more you practice, the more advantage you will gain related to the entire element of time management revolving around the IELTS exams, and for that opting for IELTS Coaching may prove to be the best bet.

Conclusion

Besides the strategies mentioned above, there is also one exam skill extremely critical to success, that a candidate requires to follow constantly while attempting this section. The skill is that if you are uncertain about any answer, pencil in your best guess and re-attempt it later on if time permits. Check out Manya’s guide for IELTS Preparation and how it can help you ace it!